Adjustable undergarment and method of manufacture

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides an adjustable undergarment comprised of a fabric portion defining waist opening and leg openings, wherein the leg openings are formed by a first portion of the fabric removably and adjustably attached to a second portion of the fabric by a securing means and wherein the leg openings are formed so as to form a thong or g-string shaped undergarment. Both the waist opening and the leg openings may be adjusted to provide a custom fitted underwear.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention is related to undergarments and methods ofmanufacture, more specifically to an adjustable underwear for improvedcomfort and appearance.

[0002] Various styles of underwear and undergarments are known withinthe art including briefs, bikini briefs, thongs, g-strings and the like.Also, known are various methods of adjusting undergarments. U.S. Pat.No. 4,675,918 to O'Brien discloses a one piece brief with hook and pileclosures. U.S. Pat. No. 4,802,469 to Gollestani discloses a therapeuticbody suit. U.S. Pat. No. 4,835,795 to Lonon discloses a body suite andunderpants with self-gripping fasteners. U.S. Pat. No. 4,951,321 toMortensen et al. discloses a novelty undergarment. U.S. Pat. No.4,961,234 to Leibman discloses an outer garment with detachable crotchpiece. U.S. Pat. No. 5,103,501 to Meisels discloses a traveling anddisposable underwear. U.S. Pat. No. 3,279,469 to Schustack discloses apanty girdle with an elastic body adapted to tightly encircle themid-portion of the body to support the abdomen and a displaceable crotchstructure for sanitary purposes. U.S. Pat. No. 6,412,119 discloses anundergarment with operable forward flap including a pair of underpants.The purpose being to allow for facilitating urination.

[0003] Thongs and g-strings have become very popular recently, as tightclothing lines created the need for something new underneath. Regularbikini briefs left unsightly lines across the bottom. Tight pants andskirts were possible only if you went without, or went with theundesirable visible panty line. Thus, panty-line free underwear becamepopular. Panty-line free underwear includes thongs, g-strings, anyunderwear which leaves the buttocks exposed.

[0004] Even more recently, low-rise pants, jeans and skirts have becomeincreasingly popular and stylish. While thong and g-string underwearprevent “panty lines” , certain types of underwear may not fit well withlower pants and jeans. The underwear may be too high on the front, backand side of the wearer and be visible. As such, it would be desirable tohave adjustable undergarments that can be worn with both high and lowrise garments. Also, different body types may require different lengths.For instance, some people may be longer waisted. As such, it would bedesirable to provide an adjustable pair of underwear that mayaccommodate different body types and be capable of adjustment in amultitude of directions.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a need within the prior art to provide anundergarment and method of manufacture that provides the wearer theoption to adjust the undergarment so as to adapt to different body typesand styles of clothing in order to provide a custom fit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] It is envisioned that the present invention be utilized by men orwomen, and provide an adjustable underwear such as, but not limited to,thong, g-string, bikini, and boxer briefs that provides comfort, anddesirable appearance under various styles of clothing and shapes ofwearers.

[0007] According to one embodiment, an adjustable, panty-line free (orotherwise) undergarment is disclosed comprising a fabric portiondefining waist opening and leg openings, wherein the leg openings areformed by a first portion of the fabric removably and adjustablyattached to a second portion of the fabric by a securing means andwherein said leg openings are formed so as to form a thong shapedundergarment.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, anadjustable, panty-line free undergarment is disclosed, comprising: afront panel with a top portion, bottom portion, left side and rightside; a back panel with a top portion, bottom portion, left side andright side; a first securing means for adjustably and removablyattaching the bottom portion of the front panel to the bottom portion ofthe back panel; a first connecting means for attaching the left side ofthe front panel to the right side of the back panel; and a secondconnecting means for attaching the right side of the front panel to theleft side of the back panel.

[0009] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, amethod of making an adjustable, panty-line free undergarment, isdisclosed comprising the steps of: providing a first front panel blankwith a top portion, bottom portion, left side and right side; providinga second back panel blank with a top portion, bottom portion, left sideand right side; attaching a first end of a securing means to the bottomportion of the first front panel blank; attaching a second end of asecuring means to the bottom portion of the second back panel blank;attaching the left side of the front panel to the right side of the backpanel; and attaching the right side of the front panel to the left sideof the back panel.

[0010] According to yet another embodiment, a method of making anadjustable undergarment is disclosed, comprising the steps of: providinga first blank with a top portion and a bottom portion; providing agenerally circular second waistband blank with a front portion and aback portion; attaching a first end of a securing means to the bottomportion of the first blank; attaching a second end of a securing meansto the second waistband blank; and attaching the top portion of thefirst blank to the second waistband blank.

[0011] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with reference to the followingdrawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012]FIG. 1 depicts an elevational view of an adjustable undergarmentas in the present invention;

[0013] FIGS. 2A-2F depict bottom views and front view of variousportions of the adjustable undergarment as in the present invention;

[0014]FIGS. 3A and 3B depict a method of manufacturing an adjustableundergarment and an undergarment according to the present invention; and

[0015]FIG. 4A and 4B depict a method of manufacturing an adjustableundergarment and an undergarment according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The following detailed description is an example of one of thecurrently contemplated applications of the invention. The description isnot to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purposeof illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scopeof the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the present invention envisions anadjustable, panty-line free undergarment 21 with a fabric portiondefining waist opening 29 and leg openings 23, 25. The fabric portionmay be a single continuous piece of fabric with a first portion 31 to beadjustably and removably attached to a second portion 27. Also, thefabric portion may be a number of pieces and types of fabric sewntogether. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the fabricportion is a single piece of fabric. The leg openings 23, 25 are formedby a first portion 31 of the fabric removably and adjustably attached toa second portion 27 of the fabric by a securing means 20 and wherein theleg openings 23, 25 are formed so as to form a thong shapedundergarment. It should be understood that the term panty-line free,thong, and g-string are all intended to be equivalents. That is, thepresent invention provides undergarments and underwear that, when worn,leave at least a portion of the buttocks exposed while covering the maleor female genitalia. The securing means may be any method of attachingone piece of fabric to another as known within the art and may include,but is not limited to, an eye and hook, button and loop, male and femalefasteners, snaps, Velcro, adjusting bracket. According to a preferredembodiment the securing means 20 may be between the anus and backwaistline of the intended wearer. However, the securing means 20 mayalso be between the anus and the stomach of the intended wearer withoutlimitation. The first portion 31 of the fabric may be a single piece offabric or be at least two pieces of fabric sewn together to form thefirst portion 31 of the fabric. By way of example, it may be desirableto have a reinforced panel covering in the crotch area of the intendedwearer. This may be sewn into the first portion 31 of the fabric. Thesecond portion 27 of the fabric may also be a single piece of fabric orbe at least two pieces of fabric sewn together. It should also be notedthat the term fabric includes string, and thin pieces of fabric. It maybe desirable to have the second portion 27 of the fabric be a string.

[0018] The present invention is intended to provide a custom fittedunderwear. Wearers of underwear come in all shapes and sizes.Additionally, different styles of clothing (e.g. low and high risejeans) require different forms and fits of underwear. Because of this,it is desirable to provide a perfectly fitting underwear, that may beadjusted in length, width and depth. It is envisioned that there be anadjustment means 22, 24 along the waist opening 29 to adjust the size ofthe waist opening 29. The adjustment means may vary according to thesize and type of fabrics being used. However, according to a preferredembodiment, the adjustment means may be an adjustment bracket as knownwithin the art. U.S. Pat. No. 6,179,687 issued to Lee provides a goodexplanation of adjustment brackets and is incorporated herein byreference.

[0019]FIG. 2 depicts an adjustable, panty-line free undergarment,comprising a front panel 30 with a top portion 32, bottom portion 34,left side 36 and right side 38. The back panel 40 with a top portion 42,bottom portion 44, left side 46 and right side 48. As shown, a firstsecuring means 50, 52 adjustably and removably attaches the bottomportion 34 of the front panel 30 to the bottom portion 44 of the backpanel 40. A first connecting means 56 for attaching the left side 36 ofthe front panel 30 to the right side 48 of the back panel 40. Theconnecting means may be thread (56, 58 as shown in FIG. 2B), string,transparent fabric, invisible fabric, leather, suede, fabric, chain,zipper, beads, sequins, or any combination thereof. There is also asecond connecting means 58 for attaching the right side 38 of the frontpanel 30 to the left side 46 of the back panel 40. According to theembodiment shown, the first connecting means 56 is a string, or thinpiece of fabric. It may also be desirable to have the connecting means56 be an invisible piece of fabric, string, thread or any combinationthereof. For example, 100% polyurethane, sold under the trade name,Lastin, distributed in the United States by Security TextileCorporation. The string is then connected or sewn to the front panel 30or back panel 40.

[0020] However, it may also be desirable to directly sew the left side36 of the front panel 30 to the right side 48 of the back panel 40 andsew the right side 38 of the front panel 30 to the left side 46 of theback panel 40, as shown in FIG. 2A. According to this embodiment, thefirst connecting means 56 may be thread, heat seal or any means knownwithin the art for connecting or attaching a first piece of fabric to asecond piece of fabric. According to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2A,the waist opening may be fixed, elastic or capable of adjustment. Thecrotch area is intended to be adjustably and removably attached bysecuring means 50, 52. According to the embodiment shown, securing means50 may be a male snap, and holes 52, 53, 55 may be female snaps whichact as receptacles for the male snap. For a higher fit on the waist,hole 52 may be in communication with securing means 50. For a medium fiton the waist, hole 53 may be in communication with securing means 50.For a lower fit on the waist, hole 55 may be in communication withsecuring means 50. The securing means chosen from the group consistingof an eye and hook, button and loop, male and female fasteners, snaps,and adjusting brackets. The front panel 30 may be comprised of a numberof pieces of fabric sewn together. There may also be a reinforced crotchpanel. The back panel 40 may also be comprised of a number of pieces offabric sewn together.

[0021] FIGS. 2C-2F depict an embodiment of an adjustment means. It ispreferred that the adjustment means be used to adjust the waist openingas in any of the embodiments. The adjustment means may also be used toadjust the securing means (e.g. 56, 58 in FIG. 2A) which attach a frontportion to a back portion. As shown, there may be an adjusting bracket 9that allows a wearer to adjust the length of the strap. The material ismade of a thin flexible material, therefore the strap has to be loopedinto the adjusting bracket 9 in a specified manner to keep the adjustingbracket from unintended slippage through the strap. As shown in FIG. 2D,the strap is looped through an adjusting bracket 9 by taking one end 3of the strap 1, before a connecting bracket 5 or another adjustingbracket is attached to a first end of the strap, and inserting this fromthe bottom of a first opening 11 of the adjusting bracket and over thetop 12 of a divider 13 and into a second opening 14 of the adjustingbracket 9. The end 3 of the strap 1 is then wrapped around a lateral end15 adjacent to the second opening 14 and over the top 12 and again intothe first opening 11, this time from the top. This end 3 is theninserted from the bottom of a closed opening 7 of the connecting bracket5 and out on the top and into the first opening 11 of the adjustingbracket wrapping over a lateral end 16 adjacent to the opening 11, wherethe end 3 is finally secured to itself by attachment to a strap portionnear the lateral end 16 to close end 3. After this looping, a certainlength 20 of a doubled layer strap is left between the adjusting bracket9 and the connecting bracket 5 as shown in FIG. 2C to provide thedesired length of strap for adjustment. This method of looping anadjusting bracket may also be applied to a connecting bracket 5, if oneuses the connecting bracket 5 to adjust the length of a strap. It may bepreferable to use clear, colorless connecting and adjusting brackets butopaque ones can also be used. No special way of looping or attachment isinvolved with the other end 4. The other end 4 is simply connected to asecond connecting bracket 17 by passing the end 4 through a closedopening 18 of the second connecting bracket 17, wrapping around alateral end 19 (substantially hidden under the welt like loop) of thesecond connecting bracket 17 adjacent to the closed opening 18 where theend 4 is then glued to a strap portion near the lateral end 19 of thesecond connecting bracket 17 to close end 4. This latter method ofattaching end 4 is the method used for attaching both connectingbrackets in a strap without an adjusting bracket. In a strap without anadjusting bracket, the resulting strap is only one strip unlike thosewith an adjusting bracket where a double layer of strip results from thelooping of the adjusting bracket to one of the connecting bracket. Thesebrackets are commercially available and are made of either plastic ormetal.

[0022] Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the present invention alsoenvisions a method of making an adjustable undergarment. This methodcomprises the step 100 providing a first front panel blank 81 with a topportion 80, bottom portion 82, left side 84 and right side 86. The firstfront panel blank 81 may be a single piece of fabric or at least twopieces of fabric sewn together. Step 102 providing a second back panelblank 79 with a top portion 71, bottom portion 73, left side 77 andright side 75. It should be noted that the terms left side and rightside are interchangable, as it depends on the view. While the term rightside 75 is being used to depict the side actually on the left in thepicture, from the back the right side 75 would appear on the right. Thesecond back panel blank 79 may be a single piece of fabric or at leasttwo pieces of fabric sewn together. Step 104 attaching a first end 88 ofa securing means to the bottom portion 82 of the first front panel blank81. Step 106 attaching a second end 90 of a securing means to bottomportion 73 of the second back panel blank 79. The securing means may beattached to the first front panel blank 81 and second back panel blank79, so that when the securing means is secured it is either between theanus and back waistline, or between the anus and the stomach of theintended wearer. Step 108 attaching the left side 84 of the first frontpanel blank 81 to the right side 75 of the second back panel blank 79.This may be accomplished by sewing the left side 84 of the first frontpanel blank 81 to the right side 75 of the second back panel blank 79,or sewing a first end of a thin piece of fabric 92 to the left side 84of the first front panel blank 81 and a second end of the thin piece offabric 92 to the right side 75 of the back panel 79. Step 110 attachingthe right side 86 of the first front panel blank 81 to the left side 77of the second back panel blank 79. This may be accomplished by sewingthe right side 86 of the first front panel blank 81 to the left side 77of the second back panel blank 79 or sewing a first end of a thin pieceof fabric 94 to the right side 86 of the first front panel blank 81 anda second end of the thin piece of fabric 94 to the left side 77 of thesecond back panel blank 79. Step 112 providing an adjustment means 96for adjusting the waist opening of the adjustable undergarment. Acontinuous waistband may also be attached to the top portion of firstfront panel blank 81 and second back panel blank 79 (not shown).

[0023] Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, a method of making anadjustable undergarment is disclosed, comprising the steps of: step 400providing a first blank 150 with a top portion 152 and a bottom portion154; step 402 providing a generally circular second waistband blank 157with a front portion 156 and a back portion 158; step 404 attaching afirst end 160 of a securing means to the bottom portion 154 of the firstblank 150; step 406 attaching a second end 162 of a securing means tothe second waistband blank 157; and step 408 attaching the top portion152 of the first blank 150 to the front portion 156 of the secondwaistband blank 157. Optionally, step 410 providing an adjustment meansfor adjusting the waist opening of the adjustable undergarment. As inthe previous embodiments, the purpose of the securing means is to allowfor adjustment in the crotch area. This provides a highly adjustmentundergarment, that may provide custom fitted tailoring of theundergarment to the individual wearer.

[0024] It should be understood that a number of different embodimentsare envisioned including sewing or attaching a thin piece of fabric tothe securing means. This may be accomplished by sewing a first end of athin piece of fabric (not shown) to second waistband blank 157 and asecond end of the thin piece of fabric to the second end 162 of thesecuring means. As in the previous embodiments, the method may furthercomprise the step 410 providing an adjustment means for adjusting thewaist opening of the adjustable undergarment. Also, the first end of thesecuring means between the anus and back waistline of the intendedwearer, or the anus and the stomach of the intended wearer. That is tosay, the undergarment as in the present invention may attach in thefront or in the back without limitation.

[0025] It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates topreferred embodiments of the invention and that modifications may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as setforth in the following claims.

We claim:
 1. An adjustable undergarment: a fabric portion defining waistopening and leg openings, wherein said leg openings are formed by afirst portion of said fabric removably and adjustably attached to asecond portion of said fabric by a securing means and wherein said legopenings are formed so as to form an undergarment that is thong shaped.2. An adjustable undergarment as in claim 1, wherein said securing meansis chosen from the group consisting of an eye and hook, button and loop,male and female fasteners, snaps, Velcro, zipper, adjusting bracket. 3.An adjustable undergarment as in claim 1, wherein said first portion isa panel that covers the crotch and said second portion is a waistband.4. An adjustable undergarment as in claim 1, wherein said securing meansis between the anus and back waistline of the intended wearer.
 5. Anadjustable undergarment as in claim 1, wherein said securing means isbetween the anus and the stomach of the intended wearer.
 6. Anadjustable undergarment as in claim 1, wherein said first portion ofsaid fabric is comprised of at least two pieces of fabric sewn togetherto form said first portion of said fabric.
 7. An adjustable undergarmentas in claim 1, wherein said second portion of said fabric is comprisedof at least two pieces of fabric sewn together to form said secondportion of said fabric.
 8. An adjustable undergarment as in claim 1,wherein said fabric portion is a single piece of fabric comprised ofsaid first portion and said second portion.
 9. An adjustableundergarment as in claim 1, further comprising an adjustment means alongsaid waist opening to adjust the size of said waist opening.
 10. Anadjustable undergarment, comprising: a front panel with a top portion,bottom portion, left side and right side; a back panel with a topportion, bottom portion, left side and right side; a first securingmeans for adjustably and removably attaching said bottom portion of saidfront panel to said bottom portion of said back panel; a firstconnecting means for attaching said left side of said front panel tosaid right side of said back panel; and a second connecting means forattaching said right side of said front panel to said left side of saidback panel.
 11. An adjustable undergarment as in claim 10, wherein saidfirst connecting means is chosen from the group consisting of thread,string, transparent fabric, invisible fabric, leather, suede, fabric,chain, zipper, beads, sequins, and any combination thereof.
 12. Anadjustable undergarment as in claim 10, wherein said second connectingmeans is chosen from the group consisting of thread, string, transparentfabric, invisible fabric, leather, suede, fabric, chain, zipper, beads,sequins, or any combination thereof.
 13. An adjustable undergarment asin claim 10, further comprising an adjustment means for adjusting thewaist opening of said adjustable undergarment.
 14. An adjustableundergarment as in claim 10, wherein said securing means is chosen fromthe group consisting of an eye and hook, button and loop, male andfemale fasteners, snaps, Velcro, zipper, adjusting bracket.
 15. Anadjustable undergarment as in claim 10, wherein said securing means isbetween the anus and back waistline of the intended wearer.
 16. Anadjustable undergarment as in claim 10, wherein said securing means isbetween the anus and the stomach of the intended wearer.
 17. Anadjustable undergarment as in claim 10, wherein said front panel iscomprised of at least two pieces of fabric sewn together.
 18. Anadjustable undergarment as in claim 10, wherein said back panel iscomprised of at least two pieces of fabric sewn together.
 19. Anadjustable undergarment as in claim 10, further comprising at least oneadjustment means along a waist opening to adjust the size of said waistopening.
 20. A method of making an adjustable undergarment, comprisingthe steps of: providing a first front panel blank with a top portion,bottom portion, left side and right side; providing a second back panelblank with a top portion, bottom portion, left side and right side;attaching a first end of a securing means to said bottom portion of saidfirst front panel blank; attaching a second end of a securing means tosaid bottom portion of said second back panel blank; attaching said leftside of said first front panel blank to said right side of said secondback panel blank; and attaching said right side of said first frontpanel blank to said left side of said second back panel blank.
 21. Amethod of making an adjustable undergarment as in claim 20, wherein saidstep of attaching said left side of said first front panel blank to saidright side of said second back panel blank is accomplished by sewingsaid left side of said first front panel blank to said right side ofsaid second back panel blank.
 22. A method of making an adjustableundergarment as in claim 20, wherein said step of attaching said rightside of said first front panel blank to said left side of said secondback panel blank is accomplished by sewing said right side of said firstfront panel blank to said left side of said second back panel blank. 23.A method of making an adjustable undergarment as in claim 20, whereinsaid step of attaching said left side of said first front panel blank tosaid right side of said second back panel blank is accomplished bysewing a first end of a thin piece of fabric to said left side of saidfirst front panel blank and a second end of said thin piece of fabric tosaid right side of said second back panel blank.
 24. A method of makingan adjustable undergarment as in claim 20, wherein said step ofattaching said right side of said first front panel blank to said leftside of said second back panel blank is accomplished by sewing a firstend of a thin piece of fabric to said right side of said first frontpanel blank and a second end of said thin piece of fabric to said leftside of said second back panel blank.
 25. A method of making anadjustable undergarment as in claim 20, wherein said step of attachingsaid left side of said first front panel blank to said right side ofsaid second back panel blank is accomplished by sewing said left side ofsaid first front panel blank to a continuous waistband and said rightside of said second back panel blank to said continuous waistband.
 26. Amethod of making an adjustable undergarment as in claim 20, wherein saidstep of attaching said right side of said first front panel blank tosaid left side of said second back panel blank is accomplished by sewingsaid right side of said first front panel blank to a continuouswaistband and said left side of said second back panel blank to saidcontinuous waistband.
 27. A method of making an adjustable undergarmentas in claim 20, further comprising the step of providing an adjustmentmeans for adjusting the waist opening of said adjustable undergarment.28. A method of making an adjustable undergarment as in claim 20,wherein said step of attaching a first end of a securing means to saidbottom portion of said first front panel blank is done so that saidfirst end of said securing means is between the anus and back waistlineof the intended wearer.
 29. A method of making an adjustableundergarment as in claim 20, wherein said step of attaching a first endof a securing means to said bottom portion of said first front panelblank is done so that said first end of said securing means is betweenthe anus and the stomach of the intended wearer.
 30. A method of makingan adjustable undergarment as in claim 20, wherein said first frontpanel blank is comprised of at least two pieces of fabric sewn together.31. A method of making an adjustable undergarment as in claim 20,wherein said second back panel blank is comprised of at least two piecesof fabric sewn together.
 32. A method of making an adjustableundergarment, comprising the steps of: providing a first blank with atop portion and a bottom portion; providing a generally circular secondwaistband blank with a front portion and a back portion; attaching afirst end of a securing means to said bottom portion of said firstblank; attaching a second end of a securing means to said secondwaistband blank; and attaching said top portion of said first blank tosaid second waistband blank.
 33. A method of making an adjustableundergarment as in claim 32, wherein said step of attaching a second endof a securing means to said second waistband blank occurs so as toattach said second end to said back portion of said second waistbandblank.
 34. A method of making an adjustable undergarment as in claim 32,wherein said step of attaching a second end of a securing means to saidsecond waistband blank occurs so as to attach said second end to saidfront portion of said second waistband blank.
 35. A method of making anadjustable undergarment as in claim 32, wherein said step of attaching asecond end of a securing means to said second waistband blank isaccomplished by sewing a first end of a thin piece of fabric to saidsecond waistband blank and a second end of said thin piece of fabric tosaid second end of said securing means.
 36. A method of making anadjustable undergarment as in claim 32, further comprising the step ofproviding an adjustment means for adjusting the waist opening of saidadjustable undergarment.
 37. A method of making an adjustableundergarment as in claim 32, wherein said step of attaching a first endof a securing means to said first front panel blank is done so that saidfirst end of said securing means is between the anus and back waistlineof the intended wearer.
 38. A method of making an adjustableundergarment as in claim 32, wherein said step of attaching a first endof a securing means to said bottom portion of said first front panelblank is done so that said first end of said securing means is betweenthe anus and the stomach of the intended wearer.